BBC: Fracking firm Tamboran expects decision on borehole

Northern Ireland's environment minister is due to decide on Monday whether a firm exploring for shale gas can start to drill an exploratory borehole.

The company, Tamboran, has applied for permission to drill a 750m deep hole at a quarry in Belcoo, County Fermanagh.

Its aim is to check if there is enough gas below ground to warrant seeking a licence to set up a fracking operation.

The minister had 21 days from the date the application was submitted to decide if the hole meets permitted criteria.

Protesters who object to both fracking and the process of shale gas exploration have held a permanent vigil and daily protests at the quarry.
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